February 11, 2026 — A consumer’s attempt to use Kingsford charcoal briquettes for odor removal indoors reportedly led to severe breathing difficulties, multiple hospitalizations, and a subsequent diagnosis of cancer, which the consumer attributes to creosote in the product. The incident highlights potential dangers associated with misusing products and relying on unverified online information for safety-critical applications.
Product Details
Product: Kingsford
Incident Overview
On December 20, 2022, a consumer, seeking to eliminate odors in his home, found online information suggesting charcoal could be used for this purpose. Acting on this advice, he filled two small cardboard boxes with charcoal and placed one in his bedroom and another in his kitchen overnight.
The following morning, the consumer awoke experiencing severe difficulty breathing. He contacted his brother and was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. After several days, he was discharged, but approximately one to two days later, his condition necessitated a return to the hospital for additional treatment.
Since that time, the consumer reports undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a CT scan, and radiation treatment. The consumer claims that creosote used to make the charcoal caused him to develop cancer.
The consumer further states that he contacted the manufacturer, CLOROX CO., in approximately 2022 or early 2023 to report the matter, before his cancer diagnosis, but claims they did not offer to do anything for him. He also reported finding information on the internet where other people noted adverse effects from using charcoal. The manufacturer has confirmed receiving the report.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the appropriate use of charcoal products and the potential hazards associated with their misuse.
- Immediate Dangers: The consumer experienced severe difficulty breathing after prolonged indoor exposure to unburnt charcoal, highlighting an immediate adverse reaction. It is also crucial to reiterate that *burning* charcoal indoors, even for short periods or in seemingly ventilated areas, poses an extremely high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
- Long-term Risks: The consumer attributes his cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments to creosote in the charcoal, suggesting potential long-term health consequences from misapplication and chemical exposure. Charcoal products may contain compounds whose safety profile for long-term indoor exposure in an unburnt state is not established for products intended for combustion.
- Who Might Be Affected: Consumers who misuse products, fail to adhere to manufacturer instructions, or rely on unverified online information for health and safety applications are at risk of similar adverse effects.
- Property Damage Potential: No property damage was reported in this incident.
- Misapplication of Product: Charcoal briquettes are designed for outdoor grilling and burning, not for indoor air purification. Their composition, including ingredients not intended for prolonged indoor exposure, can lead to health concerns.
- Unverified Online Information: Relying on unverified or anecdotal advice found online for health and safety applications can lead to serious consequences. Consumers should always consult product instructions, manufacturer guidelines, and credible sources.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers should take the following precautions to ensure their safety and prevent similar incidents:
- Adhere to Product Instructions: Always use products strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and for their intended purpose. Charcoal briquettes are for grilling, not for indoor odor removal.
- Verify Information Sources: Be cautious of health and safety advice found on unverified online forums or social media. Consult reputable sources, medical professionals, or product manufacturers for accurate information.
- Never Burn Charcoal Indoors: Under no circumstances should charcoal be burned indoors, in garages, or in any enclosed space due to the severe risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience sudden difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, headaches, or any unusual symptoms after using a product in an unexpected way, seek immediate medical attention.
- Consider Safer Odor Removal Alternatives: For indoor odor removal, use products specifically designed for that purpose, such as activated carbon filters (not briquettes), air purifiers, or natural ventilation.
- Report Incidents: If you or someone you know experiences an adverse reaction or injury from a consumer product, report the incident to the product manufacturer and to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, CLOROX CO., has confirmed receiving the incident report. The consumer claims that the manufacturer “did not offer to do anything for him” after he reported the matter.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.